Law firm bookkeeper pleads guilty in $567,075 theft

A former account manager and bookkeeper at a Virginia Beach law firm pleaded guilty today in federal court in Norfolk to forging firm checks totaling $567,075.

Diana L. Farmer-Forston, 54, of Virginia Beach, forged the signature of a principal of Bennett and Zydron PC on 210 checks between July 2007 and February 2011, according to the statement of facts filed in the case.

She made fraudulent entries in to the firm’s ledgers to make it appear that the checks had been issued for legitimate purposes and deposited the checks into accounts she maintained at Navy Federal Credit Union.

Farmer-Forston used the money to finance investment accounts, purchase a 2009 BMW and buy electronic equipment and other items. She also used it to pay her mortgage and other expenses and to lend money to a co-worker.

She faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison when she is sentenced on Oct. 25. The case was investigated initially by the Virginia Beach Police Department after an attorney suspected her of embezzlement.

One comment

I can NOT believe this woman is only facing 10 years jail time. She stole half a million dollars for her own personal use and because she makes a plea deal, she might only serve a few years or a few months or get probabtion. Our justice system needs to start cracking down on these types of crimes. She knew exactly what she was doing, she forged over 200 checks. Obviously she has no remorse or she wouldn’t have continued over the length of time. she deserves 150 years. I hope the judge throws the book at her and she has to serve the entire sentence. Unbelievable!